You’ll have to find a spot that receives 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. If soil-borne diseases break out, you’ll have a difficult time sterilizing the entire area or replacing the soil. These gardens are more vulnerable to moles, gophers, birds, squirrels, and deer. [1] X Research source
As for disadvantages, you’ll have to leave enough space between beds for efficient maintenance and harvesting. You’ll also have to pay up front for materials, such as untreated lumber and soil. [2] X Research source Raised beds also dry out faster than planting in the ground.
Upcycled buckets are cheap and easy to acquire. They’re usually lightweight enough to transport, but you have to drill your own drainage holes. Dark plastic can overheat and leach toxic chemicals into the soil. Metal buckets can rust and stain your patio or deck. Barrels are attractive and provide enough space for roots to flourish. Just keep in mind that they’re difficult to move and will eventually rot. You’ll also have to drill your own drainage holes.
Hanging baskets can be adapted to upper-story apartments by hanging them from the window sill. Just keep in mind that your options will be limited to small varieties like cherry tomatoes. Upside-down planters can be made from upcycled buckets. In this state, tomato plants don’t need to be staked. Birds are less likely to pick at tomatoes because they have nowhere to perch. However, the unabsorbed water may drip onto leaves and fruits, increasing the risk of disease. Inverted hangers also produce small yields. [4] X Research source
Before setting your seedling or plant in the soil, toss a couple handfuls of organic material or egg shells in the bottom of your planting hole. As the roots grow deeper, they’ll hit this layer of nutrients just in time to really boost your fruit output.
Keep in mind that tomato plants can take full sun even in warmer climates. You will just need to keep the soil well-mulched and watered.
When removing the plants from their pots, tap the bottom of the pot and try to get the roots and soil all in one piece. This is important because ripping the roots apart could damage the plant.
A cage should be at least 48 inches (1. 2 m) tall. Cages can bend if the plants get heavy and sometimes collapse in summer storms. Remove leaves and secondary stems as the plant grows. [11] X Research source A stake should be at least 0. 5 x 2 inches (1. 3 x 5 cm) wide and 6 to 8 feet (1. 8 to 2. 4 meters) long. Pound stakes about 12 to 24 inches (30 cm to 60 cm) deep, at least 2 inches (5 cm) away from the plant. Secure the plant to the stake using loosely knotted, double-looped strips of cloth or garden twine that won’t strangle the plant. Stakes can be made of bamboo, scrap wood, electrical conduit, or iron bar. [12] X Research source
To prevent mold or fungal diseases, water plants in the morning. Water less frequently after 10 days. Ensure plants are receiving 1 to 3 inches (2. 5 cm to 7. 6 cm) of rain weekly. If not, give each plant about 2 gallons (about 7. 5 L) per plant per week, beginning by about the end of the second week after transplanting. [14] X Research source Increase water as the plants get larger and when weather is hotter. Water deeply 2 to 3 times weekly, about . . 75 to 1 gallon (2. 84 to 3. 79 L) (about 3 to 4 L) each time. Make sure that the soil is moist, but not drenched. [15] X Research source
Do not use lawn fertilizer. The ratio of minerals in lawn fertilizer is for growing stems and leaves. Over-fertilization can cause plants to grow too quickly, leaving them more susceptible to disease and insects.
If your fruit starts to ripen during an intense heat wave with nights over 75 °F (24 °C) and days over 95 °F (35 °C), harvest the fruit early. It will stop ripening in intense heat.
If you live in a very humid climate, your best bet for outdoor tomatoes is to grow humidity-tolerant varieties, such as Ferline, Legend, Fantasio. [21] X Trustworthy Source Royal Horticultural Society Leading gardening charity in the U. K. providing resources for identifying, growing and caring for flowers and other plants Go to source
Bring about one gallon (about 4 L) of water and a tablespoon (15 mL) of lemon juice to a boil. Add 6 tablespoons of bone meal to the water. Stir well. Don’t worry about completely dissolving the solution. Cook covered for 30 minutes. Allow it to cool. Feed 1 quart (about 1 L) of solution to each plant at the leaves and roots. Repeat the treatment a second time in 3 to 5 days. [23] X Research source You can also sprinkle crushed eggshells around the plants to add calcium to the soil.
Keep in mind that this will only work temporarily. Before the fruit ripens on your tomato plants, drape netting over the plants to keep the birds away.
